B.J. Griffith, 90, passed away peacefully Tuesday November 28th 2017 at his home in Moab with his family.

B.J. never knew a stranger for long. He welcomed everyone into his heart and made sure they knew how much they mattered in the world. His sharp wit, humor, kindness, and sincerity made a lasting impression.

B.J. was born in Pueblo, Colorado to Ben & Iva Griffith October 27th 1927. Growing up on a ranch near Villegreen, Colorado he learned early the value and reward of hard work. The family survived the Great Depression and The Dustbowl Days of the 1930s. After the tragic loss of his younger brother Jim Bob, his family bought the Belleview Hotel in Trinidad, CO. He led his basketball teammates to several Basketball championships graduating in 1945 and shortly thereafter joined the Army. While serving in Korea as a Special Agent in the Counter Intelligence Corp he was awarded a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal.

Soon after returning from Korea he married his high-school sweetheart, Lee Gollogher, in 1949. They had 4 children Duane, Sheri, Mark & Ron. He acquired his Real Estate Brokers License & Contractors License and built custom homes. After surviving a debilitating car accident that broke his neck and back in 1970, he left construction and the family moved to Steamboat Springs, Co. starting a Lodging Management company. With an idea to fill rentals and offset the “off season” they with their children started Colorado Adventures, a river rafting company.
Lee and BJ joined Sheri Griffith River Expeditions in the 80s. He managed the transportation needs for the rafting company. B.J. took care to work closely with the guides and drivers spending time helping them acquire any skill they wanted or needed to master their jobs.

B.J. also worked with Griffith Production Services as a Scout and Coordinator for many commercials & movies shot in Utah.

B.J. & Lee loved to travel together and logged over 50 countries in the world, dozens of rivers from the Colorado to the Nile and & many wonders of the world.

B.J. loved his family. He was a father who raised his children with the belief that they could do anything they set their hearts and minds to. He had faith in them and their abilities. B.J. saw value in everyone and was quick to encourage people to pursue their dreams. He taught the same to his grand and great grandchildren. B.J. fought against bullying and oppression as he worked in Korea empowering a nation. He continued to build-up and encourage others throughout his life.

B.J. endured a few major accidents in his life and many losses. While his body and heart were in a constant state of pain he strived to keep a positive outlook and hearty laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben Griffith and Iva (Gray) Griffith, his brother Jim Bob Griffith, and eldest son Duane Griffith. He is survived by his loving wife Lee, of 68 years, his daughter Sheri Griffith, sons Mark (Beth) and Ron (Kate), 7 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life and full military honor service will be held at the Spanish Valley Mortuary on Dec 10th at 2 pm. We will be sharing stories of his life and welcome anyone to share a 1-2 min story. Graveside services on Monday Dec 11th. Flowers can be sent to the Spanish Valley Mortuary, or the family asks that you consider donating in his name to Grand County Hospice who helped care for him with love and appreciation.